Darkest Hour Family Review

In May 1940, the fate of World War II hangs on Winston Churchill, who must decide whether to negotiate with Adolf Hitler, or fight on knowing that it could mean the end of the British Empire.During World War II, as Adolf Hitler's powerful Wehrmacht rampages across Europe, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Neville Chamberlain, is forced to resign, recommending Winston Churchill as his replacement. But even in his early days as the country's leader, Churchill is under pressure to commence peace negotiations with Hitler or to fight head-on the seemingly invincible Nazi regime, whatever the cost. However difficult and dangerous his decision may be, Churchill has no choice but to shine in the country's darkest hour.—Nick RiganasA thrilling and inspiring true story begins at the precipice of World War II as, within a few days of becoming Prime Minister of Great Britain, Sir Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman) must face one of his most turbulent and defining trials: exploring a negotiated peace treaty with Nazi Germany, or standing firm to fight for the ideals, liberty, and freedom of a nation. As the unstoppable Nazi forces roll across Western Europe and the threat of invasion is imminent, and with an unprepared public, a skeptical King George VI (Ben Mendelsohn), and his own party plotting against him, Churchill must withstand his darkest hour, rally a nation, and attempt to change the course of world history.—Jwelch5742In May 1940, the opposition Labour Party in Parliament demands the resignation of British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain (Ronald Pickup) for being too weak in the face of the Nazi onslaught. Chamberlain tells Conservative Party advisers that he wants Lord Halifax (Stephen Dillane) as his successor, but Halifax does not feel the time is right. Chamberlain is forced to choose the only man who the opposition parties will accept: Sir Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman), the First Lord of the Admiralty. Churchill tries to dismiss his new secretary Elizabeth Layton (Lily James) for hearing him, which earns him a rebuke from his wife Clementine (Dame Kristin Scott Thomas). King George VI (Ben Mendelsohn), who strongly distrusts Churchill, reluctantly invites him to form a government. Churchill includes Chamberlain (as Lord President of the Council) and Halifax (as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs).It's May 1940, the early stages of WWII. The Germans are advancing west on the continent, and British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain has lost the confidence of the House in his response. The Conservative party's first choice as a replacement leader is E.F.L. Wood - Viscount Halifax - who believes the timing is not right for him, and as such the party reluctantly chooses Winston Churchill as the new leader who the party members know the opposition supports. To keep his party opponents close, Churchill appoints both Chamberlain and Viscount Halifax to his War Cabinet. Conversely, Chamberlain and Viscount Halifax believe they can either manipulate Churchill into doing what they want or use his failure for Viscount Halifax to make a high profile public move to sweep into power. While Churchill initially holds steadfast to his beliefs, he becomes under increasing pressure, especially at Chamberlain and Viscount Halifax's wants, to enter into peace negotiations with Adolf Hitler led by Hitler's ally, Benito Mussolini, with probably less than favorable terms in being behind the eight-ball. What looks to be the probable result of not negotiating are massive British troop casualties in they being cornered on the French coast as the Germans advance, and the imminent German invasion of Britain. If Churchill decides not to negotiate, is there any way for him to turn things around?—Huggo1 moreAll